So often I am asked, "What is Okinawan Goju Ryu"?  Is it Tae Kwon Do?  It is not TKD and I will leave that style explanation to others who have a much better understanding than myself. 

Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate is one of the four original styles of karate from the Okinawan Islands.  It is an internal traditional classical art combining the soft movements of Southern Shaolin Kung Fu and the harder movements of Okinawa-te or hand.  It employs mostly circular movements and is considered a close quarters self-defense system.  Within Goju you will find and learn blocking, striking, kicking, joint locking and ground fighting techniques.  Much emphasis will also be placed on your kata (forms) and bunkai (applications).  Even more of an emphasis will be placed on building yourself into a better human being through your training.  Goju is well known for its body conditioning, power, and fluidity of movement.  Although Goju is well suited for most tournament formats, we do not emphasize tournaments as a part of our training program.  You will have numerous opportunities to participate in well respected traditional tournaments throughout the year but it is not something that we demand that you do.

In your research of Goju as a potential system of training you may find it helpful to Google the following before making your decision:

Kanryo Higaonna (sometimes Higashionna)
Chojun Miyagi
Morio Higaonna
International Okinawan Goju Ryu Karate Federation